The Snowman and the Sun

Despite the snowfall
or because of it
the snowman lifted himself up
from the quiet blanket
of nothingness
and said to the sun
++++++ This is my yard
++++++ these children
++++++ who made me
++++++ are my responsibility
++++++ I’m here to watch over them
++++++ and to protect this house
The sun, smiling
reminded the snowman
that there will come a season
when your duties will melt away
but the love that created you
will remain vigilant

 

 

About the Poet:
Alan Harris is a 61 year-old hospice volunteer and graduate student who helps hospice patients write memoirs, letters, and poetry. Harris is the 2011 recipient of the Stephen H. Tudor Scholarship in Creative Writing, the 2014 John Clare Poetry Prize, and the 2015 Tompkins Poetry Award from Wayne State University. In addition he is the father of seven, grandfather of eight, as well as a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee.

 

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